Meriam Neff writes, “…there are many ways individuals can encourage widows on their journey. But it’s often hard to know what to say, for fear of making things worse. So let me offer some “Please do” as well as some “Please do not” suggestions.” This 2 minute read is pointed, honest and informative.
Consider also reading Neff’s article The Widow’s Might in which she states, “My husband’s death force me to change in ways that I never wanted to.”
Hat tip to Mike Cope for this information.
*DISCLAIMER: I’ve hesitated to share this resource because of the advertising and economics tied to it. I have given it a quick test and think that all of that stuff remains invisible. I’m sharing this resource because, in the right context, I see true potential in its integration with teaching and learning.
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Have you seen Squidoo? I would roughly describe it as a means of mashing up information from a variety of resources into a lens (as in the eye of a giant squid; fancy word for webpage). This is accomplished through customization and pulling together a good number of RSS feeds, favorites, bookmarks, page rankings/voting, etc. Lenses are ranked, money is given to daily winners, etc.* You can actually earn money for charity or for yourself just by using the service.* I have browsed through many of the existing lenses and been impressed by their quality. I am guessing that the whole free market competition model encourages quality effort as those with lenses with the highest use and approval are rewarded. Most of the ones I reviewed were by doctors, therapists, professors, etc. and all seemed well-credentialed. It is likely that you will find some lenses that you can use in your own classroom.
I haven’t completely made up my mind about what I think of Squidoo (I found it very, very late last night) but it has certainly given me some things to consider. Ideas for integrating it with learning and instruction have flooded my mind. In the right context it would be an interesting tool for teachers and learners to use for webquests, research, scavenger hunts, presentations, cooperative learning, online classes, a Web 2.0 activity, etc. Additional ideas and strategies are very end of this post.
There is also a section called Hey Monkey Brain where students can pick, research and debate a topic. Again, in the right context this feature has several positive educational implications.
I joined and threw together my own lens on the topic of educational technology. Take a look…
You can setup your own free account using here.
Integrating Squidoo
I thought it might be helpful to all of us if we brainstormed ways to integrate the use of Squidoo with teaching and learning. Here are some of the ideas (classes, lesson topics, activities) that came to me.
Gadberry asks the important question, “Did you change the world today?” So many teachers go into the profession with the genuine intention to positively impact the world. Unfortunately, many of us allow lesson planning, grading, IEP meetings, curriculum standards, meetings, sports, tv, errands, etc. to fill the bulk of our schedules and crowd out any possibility of changing the world. You know exactly what I mean, so I won’t insult you by pontificating on the obvious.
I haven’t positively changed the world today, but I still have about 7.5 hours to work on it. I assure you I will.
Now it’s your turn. Did you change the world today? (Please share in your the Comments below.)
Related Resources
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.3 shook Northeastern Nevada this morning at 6:16 AM. The quake was reported to have been felt in California, Nevada and Utah. Full details are available here.
Consider integrating this current event into your class. Off the top of my head there are good math, science, research, writing and service activities related to this event.
Classroom Resources
The following comes from an email message that one of my students sent me. I’m posting portions of that message with permission.
Wanted to let you know that Hands On Disaster Response is deploying volunteers for three weeks to Gassville, AR to help with relief efforts there. Here is the website for more info: http://hodr.org.
This is the group [we] traveled to Peru with. Some of the most hard working (and hard playing) folks you will ever meet. If this is something you would be interested in, let me know. I am going to organize a trip over for a weekend. (about a 4 hour drive…leave on a Friday, return on a Sunday)
Since we worked so hard with some of these folks in Peru, it is really touching to have them head this way when needed. Hopefully we can have a big turn out of Memphis folks to welcome them!!
Joe Namath graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies today, 42 years after leaving Alabama to go pro. Great story!!!
Have you ever seen The Human Clock? Be sure to also check out The Human Calendar!
I don’t think that I’ve ever mentioned Modest Needs. It’s another good source to get involved with charity work/ service education. The slogan, “Small Change. A World of Difference.” says it all.
This video nicely overviews the One Laptop Per Child initiative. Watch it and consider making a donation or purchase.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBoghPvyhts
Several more good videos about OLPC are available from the BBC.
I recently wrote a post encouraging educators to get students actively involved in service education. In it I provided my rationale for implementing service activities in the classroom and suggested some resources to help you get started.
Your feedback has caused me to decide to take this a step further. Now, rather than simply encouraging teachers (in general) to do this I’m now challenging you (specifically you) to start a service activity in your classroom. The holiday season is upon us, so I think it’s a perfect time to talk about service and initiate a project with your students.
Here’s THE CHALLENGE.
Let’s make the world a better place. I CHALLENGE YOU!!! 🙂
Resources
Here are some great resources to help you get started.
I recently learned about an online non-profit organization that is trying to alleviate poverty all around the world. Kiva allows you to lend money “to a specific entrepreneur in the developing world–empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty.” It has received great reviews and endorsements from notable organizations and individuals that lead me to believe that this is a trustworthy cause.This would be a very easy way to get students involved in service. It requires minimum effort to get started and provides the opportunity for you and your class to keep up with your grantee’s progress.
We’d all enjoy hearing your ideas and experiences related to this topic.
Free Rice